Description
This Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe features succulent sea scallops seared to perfection with a golden crust, then finished in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and elegant seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, pairing beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 1 ½ lbs sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a great sear. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and they release easily from the pan. Remove scallops and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, then add lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Combine and Finish: Return the scallops to the pan, spooning the lemon garlic sauce over them. Cook an additional minute to warm through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately, paired with your choice of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Thoroughly drying scallops before cooking helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- If using frozen scallops, fully thaw and blot dry before cooking.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy all the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
